Educational Alpha

Welcome back to Season three of Educational Alpha! In this first episode, Bill welcomes Harry Markopolos, the renowned financial fraud investigator and whistleblower best known for uncovering the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme. Harry shares his journey from portfolio management to forensic finance, detailing his relentless pursuit of exposing fraudulent financial schemes. The conversation covers the c...

In this season finale of Educational Alpha , host Bill Kelly welcomes John Bowman, the incoming CEO of CAIA Association. Reflecting on the evolution of CAIA and their professional journeys, the two explore major themes shaping the investment landscape—diversification, digitization, and democratization. They discuss the organization's transition from Bill's tenure to John's, emphasizing CAIA's miss...

In this episode, Bill interviews Kenneth Heinz, President of HFR, to explore the evolving landscape of hedge funds. Kenneth shares insights into HFR’s growth from its inception in 1992 to its current position as an industry leader. The conversation delves into hedge fund strategies, performance benchmarking, and the role of transparency in driving trust and innovation. Kenneth also highlights emer...

In this episode, Bill sits down with David Frazee, a Silicon Valley-based venture capitalist and innovation advocate, to explore the dynamic intersections of venture capital, global entrepreneurship, and the democratization of innovation. David shares his fascinating career journey from high-tech law to investing in groundbreaking startups, many of which have become unicorns. The conversation cove...

In this episode, Bill welcomes Will Goodhart, Chief Executive of CFA UK, for a reflective discussion on leadership, professional evolution, and the challenges of addressing sustainability in finance. Will shares insights from his two-decade-long tenure, including his journey from journalism to leading one of the most respected professional bodies in finance. The conversation dives into the importa...

In this episode, host Bill engages with Brett Christophers, Professor of Human Geography and author, to explore the intersections of private equity, climate investment, and the realities of capitalism in tackling global issues. He delves into the premise of his book, The Price is Wrong, questioning the reliance on private capital to drive decarbonization and assessing the potential limits of profi...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Yann Robard, founder of Dawson, to explore the evolving dynamics of private equity markets. Yann shares his unique career journey, from a furniture store startup to leading initiatives at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and ultimately founding Dawson. They discuss the rise and development of the private equity secondary market, the evolutio...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Jennifer Choi, CEO of ILPA (Institutional Limited Partners Association), to discuss the dynamic landscape of private equity, its governance, and the evolving role of limited partners (LPs). Jennifer shares insights from her extensive career, starting with consulting and private equity emerging markets, to leading ILPA. This conversation provides a deep div...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Scott McMunn, CEO of the Loan Market Association (LMA), to discuss the dynamic shifts in private credit and the significant role that trade associations play in today’s financial landscape. Scott shares his career journey from asset management to leading the LMA, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the evolving loan markets. The conversation d...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Aishah Ahmad, Board member at the Financial Alliance for Women and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to discuss diverse topics including innovation, regulation, climate action, and female leadership shedding light on the financial landscape in Africa. Aishah shares her fascinating career in finance and transition into regulatory roles,...

In this episode, Bill welcomes Keith Black, a longtime colleague and cryptocurrency expert, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of digital assets. Keith shares insights from his extensive career, including his early work in commodity derivatives, hedge funds, and institutional consulting, as well as his role in the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association. The conversation div...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Nell Mackenzie, a financial journalist with a diverse background, including a 20-year career as a professional actress and time spent trading crude oil on the NYMEX floor. Nell shares her unique journey from acting to financial journalism, highlighting the formative experiences that led her to cover the dynamic world of hedge funds. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Melissa Ma, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Asia Alternatives, to explore the evolving landscape of private equity in Asia. Melissa shares her journey from Goldman Sachs to co-founding Asia Alternatives, providing deep insights into the firm’s strategic focus on Asia's private equity markets. The discussion covers the significance of demographics,...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Jeff Schafer, an expert in impact investing, to discuss the evolving landscape of alternative investments and the significant potential of Africa as an investment destination. Jeff shares his journey from traditional finance to a focus on impact investing, emphasizing the importance of aligning financial returns with social good. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Joe Simonian, a prominent figure in the world of financial data science and the Chairman of the Financial Data Professional (FDP) Institute. Joe shares insights from his extensive career, spanning over 18 years in global asset management and financial data science. The discussion traverses the evolution of quantitative tools in finance, the nascent but pro...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Mark Anson, CEO and CIO of Commonfund, to explore the evolution of the endowment model and its ongoing relevance in today's investment landscape. Mark shares his extensive experience, from managing the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to leading Commonfund, providing insights into private equity, the growth of interval...

In this episode, Bill talks with Chad Braun, co-founder of Fifth Corner, about the nuances of real estate investments. Chad shares his journey from public accounting to leading a public REIT and finally to his work at Fifth Corner. The discussion covers the differences between public and private real estate investments, the concept of irreplaceable corners, and the impact of e-commerce on retail s...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly is joined by Kevin McCreadie, CEO and CIO of AGF Management. They discuss the evolving landscape of asset management, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by market disruptions, democratization, and tax efficiency. Kevin shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting AGF's innovative approach to global investments and the importance o...

In this episode, host Bill welcomes Cathy Marcus, Co-CEO and Global COO at PGIM Real Estate. Cathy shares her extensive experience in the real estate sector, highlighting the evolution of the market, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion covers the complexities of office space investments, the growing importance of ESG requirements, and the potential of data centers...

In this episode Bill interviews Charles Henry Monchau, Chief Investment Officer at a Swiss private bank, renowned for its innovative approach in the banking sector. Charles shares his extensive international experience and insights into the evolution of private banking, emphasizing the integration of digital assets and pioneering private equity investments. The discussion explores the importance o...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly is joined by Corey Hoffstein, a notable figure in quantitative finance and co-founder of Newfound Research. Corey revisits his unexpected journey from an aspiring video game developer to a financial strategist driven by a passion for quantitative finance. The discussion centers around the concept of "return stacking," a strategy developed to enhance portf...

In this episode, Bill speaks with Kostiantyn Shost, a CAIA Member from Ukraine, who shares his unique perspective on professionalism and resilience amidst the country's ongoing conflict. Born into a military family with a globally diverse upbringing, Kostiantyn details his journey from various global posts to settling in Ukraine. Despite the severe backdrop of war, he maintains a commitment to...

In this episode, Bill interviews Andrew Ang, a former Professor of Business and current investment expert at BlackRock, discussing the nuanced application of factor investing in both public and private markets. Andrew shares his journey from academia to industry, emphasizing the integration of data and technology in investment strategies. The conversation explores the critical aspects of factor in...

In this episode Bill sits down with Tim Hodgson, co-founder of the Thinking Ahead Institute, to discuss the transformative journey of the investment industry. Starting from Tim's early career as an institutional investment consultant to the inception of the Thinking Ahead Institute in 2015, they explore the evolution from a business-centric to a more purpose-driven approach. They reflect on CA...

In this episode Bill speaks with Daniil Shapiro of Cerulli Associates to explore significant trends shaping the asset and wealth management landscape. Shapiro, with a background rich in risk management and product development, offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities within alternative investments, ETFs, and the evolving demands of the advisory market. This episode not o...